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Guessing the Weather

Below are a few weather links that may be of some use to other astronomers. I've listed them in the way that I use them ahead of a decision on whether to travel north from Melbourne for a night of astrophotography. I have no formal qualifications in this area (although I am the son of a meteorologist). This may be most relevant for other's in the south-east but the links should be useful in most areas of Australia.

BoM = Australian Bureau of Meteorology
GFS = US Numerical Model
All times quoted are AEST (UT +10)

2-4 Days Ahead

BoM Four Day Forecast Chart (updated around 3pm daily): Lines marking fronts or troughs over or approaching your location spell trouble. A ridge of high pressure, or northerly winds is a good sign. Southerly winds will generally bring cloud to coastal areas but skies could well be clear north of the divide.

On the Day

WeatherZone Synoptic Chart: Current analysis chart also includes location of jetstream, which helps to understand movement of jetstream cloud (see below). The jetstream may influence stability of 'seeing' although other effects may be more important.

Satellite Images from Weatherzone: Hourly Visible and Infrared satellite images. Essential for monitoring latest weather before final decision. Weatherzone include a brief analysis of the current situation below the image. Visible image is good for monitoring low cloud but only during daylight hours! Infrared shows high cloud very strongly - watch out for jetstream cloud which may ruin what looks like an otherwise positive synoptic situation.

The MetOffice in the UK has an Aviation Subscription Service with a really cool MesoScale model which is about the best forecasting aid an astronomer could hope for. The Australian Bureau of Meteorology has the technology to provide something similar. Perhaps you could contact them to tell them you'd like one too..